Elizabeth Leigh
Cisco and the Kansas city government in Missouri have signed a letter of intent that details plans to enhance connectivity in the city with a new network framework.
“Today, global competition really is between cities to provide the best quality of life for its citizens, and Kansas City is helping to lead the charge on innovation in the Midwest,†Wim Elfrink, Cisco executive vice president of industry solutions and chief globalization officer, said Thursday.
“This kind of thought leadership at the municipal level is what helps pave the way for a smarter, more connected and sustainable city,†he added.
Isaiah Blackburn will be Cisco’s chief strategist for the Connected and Innovative Kansas City project, which is intended to strengthen citizen engagement and innovation through Internet of Things technology and smart city services using Cisco’s Smart+Connected Communities program.
This includes the installation of digital interactive kiosks and mobile applications, smart street lighting and video surveillance.
Cisco said the plan also includes development of a long-term digital agenda for Kansas and collaboration with other companies to develop a “living lab†incubator for entrepreneurs.
